MSc Public Health and Health Promotion

1. Overview

At a time when strategies and policies for improving individual and population health are firmly on the agenda of governments globally, this course has been specifically designed to meet these challenges and demand from stakeholders and prospective students.

The importance of innovative
approaches to health and social care has never been more critical with the
widening inequalities gap, the continuing global financial crisis and climate
change. The new public health approach has different characteristics from the
old public health model and now includes prevention and promotion whilst giving
recognition of the social determinants of health. This course will allow you to
develop the skills required to meet existing and emerging challenges locally,
nationally and internationally.

You will explore the principles
of health promotion and public health and address current issues in improving
health and the prevention of disease including epidemiology. You will examine
the impact of health inequalities and explore global health and health
psychology and the principles of behaviour change.

The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our Course Disclaimer for more information.

3. How you will learn

Our goal is to help you develop into critical and reflective public health practitioners who have strong problem solving skills while being able to implement creative solutions. Consequently there is a high emphasis on student participation in all modules with a self-directed approach to learning being essential if you are to achieve the aims of the course within the one year timeframe. Our expectation is that you are active and engaged learners. Staff will expect you to attend class thoroughly prepared having reviewed the relevant directed study. In class you will engage with the module material undertaking activities and discussions to help you gain a deeper understanding of the issues and potential solutions. When in class you will be expected to contribute to discussions by asking questions, offering your point of view and sharing your experiences and knowledge. Key guest speakers are invited to join the modules to bring topical and current issues to the learning experience.

If you study this course online then you will be taught via our virtual learning environment CampusMoodle, where you will work both individually and within a group environment, with formal and informal sessions. You will take part in online tutorial sessions through the virtual classroom utilising innovative technologies to facilitate engagement and encourage discussion and debate.

In addition to the Module Leader, e-tutors from practice settings facilitate the discussion forums and online tutorials to help relate theory to practice.

4. Entry Requirements

Typically
you will have a degree/honours degree and a minimum of one year’s work
experience in a health related industry or a professional qualification.

English Language

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

* All entry requirements listed here should be used as a guide and represent the minimum required to be considered for entry. A small number of courses require higher levels, but this will be stated explicitly on your offer letter.

5. Placements and Accreditations

Accreditation by the IUHPE (International Union for Health Promotion Education) means you can be confident that the course meets IUHPE Core Competencies and Professional Standards. This will support your own competence and mobility in Health Promotion practice globally. As a student you would be able to join the IUHPE Student and Early Career Network (ISECN) and on successful completion of the course you can apply for registration with IUHPE giving you professional accreditation and access to a wide range of resources.

The course is also recognised by the Royal Society for Public Health, the world's longest established public health body, which has a multi-disciplinary professional membership dedicated to improvement of the public's health and wellbeing.

6. Student Funding

Scholarships

Applicants to this course may be eligible for a scholarship. More information:

Disclaimer

Course fees are reviewed periodically and so are subject to change for new applicants. All tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in your offer letter. You will also be liable to pay a graduation fee of £40 before receiving a University award.

Terms and Conditions of Admissions

The Terms and Conditions of Admission describe to applicants holding an offer of a place to study at RGU, the principal rights, duties and obligations of both the applicant and the University prior to enrolling on a course of study.

9. Prospects

This course is suitable for those
working in the key areas of health, public health, health improvement, health
promotion, local authorities, local government, education, social care, sports
& leisure, private sector, occupational health, oral and dental health and
the third sector both in the UK and internationally by providing you with a
professional qualification that will develop your understanding of this complex
field and strengthen, enhance and improve your career prospects.

Students on
the existing programme come from a wide range of disciplines including public
health, physiotherapy, dietetics, third sector, nursing and midwifery, oncology
and occupational health.

Opportunities have increased significantly with the global
changes in health and the challenges that lifestyle related diseases are
presenting. Employment opportunities include:

clinical practice

local authorities and commissioning boards

occupational
health

education

work based health programmes

sports and leisure centres

social care.

Other related areas and opportunities include community
development, non-government agencies, charitable and voluntary organisations.